Ernesto Valverde has urged Athletic Bilbao to achieve back-to-back La Liga wins for the first time this season when they travel to Real Betis on Sunday.
Los Leones can also break into the top half of the table with three more points this weekend, making the trip to Benito Villamarin all the more important for the Coach.
“We’re in a phase where there are no major distances and three points push you up the table,” he said at a Press conference.
“When you’re on a positive streak, those gains don’t only drive you up the table but also help you mentally.
“I won’t deny that looking up the table than down it means a lot to us, but Betis also need a win [after losing their last two at home]. They’re good on the counterattack.
“I don’t think they’ll wait for us, however, as [Betis] playing at home means their fans will demand them to go forward.
“They have a frontline of high quality, with Ruben Castro, Joaquin [Sanchez], [Francisco] Portillo and [Jorge] Molina.
“From midfield onwards, they can hurt us and are always tidy with their play.
Valverde also hinted that he would name the same XI which defeated Sporting Gijon 3-0 due to there being no European commitments in the week.
